Question 4 from UPSC CSE 2018 - Polity

Question

Which one of the following reflects the most appropriate relationship between law and liberty?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. If there are no laws, there is no liberty.

Strategy: The core relationship is about balance—liberty exists within a framework of rules. The absence of all law leads to anarchy, which destroys genuine liberty; so 'no laws, no liberty' is conceptually the strongest statement. Other options either oversimplify (more laws = less liberty), make assumptions not central to the law-liberty relationship (law must be made by people), or deal with stability, not the foundational relationship (frequent change). In such foundational questions, eliminate sweeping or unstable scenarios and select the option expressing the indispensable, structural link.

Key Info: Liberty refers to the condition in which individuals are free to act and express themselves within legal and social boundaries. Classical liberal thought, including thinkers such as John Locke and Montesquieu, emphasized that laws protect liberty by preventing the arbitrary exercise of power and ensuring the rights of individuals are safeguarded. Absence of laws leads to anarchy, where the strong may dominate the weak, making true liberty unattainable. Most modern constitutions, including India's, recognize rights to liberty (such as Article 21 and Article 19) but authorize reasonable restrictions under law. The relationship between law and liberty is thus dialectical: law provides the structure that enables liberty to be meaningful, ensuring security, predictability, and protection from arbitrary actions. Unchecked liberty (license) can infringe upon the rights of others; conversely, excessive legal restrictions can suppress liberty. The foundation of civil society is built on this balanced interplay.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: If there are more laws, there is less liberty.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: If there is liberty, laws have to be made by the people.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: If laws are changed too often, liberty is in danger.